Thousands of Standard Chartered Bank customers in Uganda are set to transition to Absa Bank as the two lenders complete the transfer of retail and wealth banking operations between November 13 and 15, 2026.
The transition will see affected customers move to Absa’s banking network, where they will access accounts, debit cards, loans, mortgages and investment products. However, customers are expected to experience temporary service interruptions during the migration before normal banking operations resume on November 16.
As part of the transition, Absa has started issuing replacement account numbers, debit cards and cheque books to affected customers. Existing account balances are expected to transfer automatically, although customers will need to begin using Absa’s branches and digital platforms to access their banking services after the migration.
The business transfer follows an acquisition agreement signed on October 24, 2025, which subsequently received regulatory approval from the Bank of Uganda on June 1, 2026.
Under the agreement, Absa will take over the affected retail and wealth banking customers as well as employees of Standard Chartered Uganda. The acquisition is expected to expand Absa’s deposits, lending and wealth management portfolio in the country, strengthening the South African banking group’s presence in the Ugandan financial sector.
Meanwhile, Standard Chartered will retain its corporate and investment banking operations in Uganda as it shifts its focus towards serving institutional clients.
The transition marks a significant change for Standard Chartered’s retail banking customers, who will now be served through Absa’s banking infrastructure following the completion of the transfer..